GRAFFITI SOCIAL KITCHEN

Hate onions? Put ketchup on your ketchup? We all have unique likes and dislikes, so when you hear about a new restaurant, whether it be from a foodie or someone who lives off of toaster pastries, you don’t know if their tastes align with your own. So, instead of reading a review from one source, take it from five members of our team. Even though we are woefully underqualified to review a restaurant, at least one of us will likely share some of your distinct tastes.

Alex Bieler:

Loved: The burrito was my star of the night. I’m a sucker for short rib, and this giant tube of meat, rice, beans, and manchego gets a big thumbs up from me. It even came with crispy onions, which was a smart way to add a nice crispy element.

Liked: I’m a sucker for a nice cocktail, and the Ninth Ward was plenty nice thanks to a bit of a citrus and floral kick that never muted the bourbon. Also, the potato skins with chorizo, goat cheese, and guacamole were a nice starter.

Disappointed: I must admit that there were plenty of other dishes that came off as sweet. From pumpkin spice wings, which I actually didn’t mind, to a cloyingly sweet Monte Cristo, the overall sweetness could be a turnoff.

Hated: The aforementioned Monte Cristo had some nice elements to it, but I wasn’t a big fan of everything combined into one bite. The maple-brined pork tenderloin was nicely done. The French toast was sweet, but it’s French toast. However, it makes for a busy bite when you combine those two with the crema and raspberry mostarda.

Rating: Personally, my meal was really nice, but I had some quibbles with my fellow reviewer’s dishes. In the end, I’ll err on the side of my short rib meat tube and give Graffiti 4 out of 5.

Jim Bacha:

Loved: The staff and atmosphere were fantastic. Super knowledgeable and when asked, “What do you eat here?” the response was “For me, the salmon, but the chefs’ is the sheppard’s pie.” Honesty at it’s best.

Liked: My favorite thing was the potato skins with guacamole and chorizo. I also really enjoyed Alex’s short rib burrito.

Disappointed: Overall everything was too sweet. It felt as if salt was replaced with sugar. The pumpkin spice wings were cooked to perfection, but would’ve loved some cajun.

Hated: The Monte Cristo and buffalo ranch popcorn.

Rating: Overall I enjoyed my experience. In consideration of my taste buds, 1 out of 5. My experience? 3 out of 5.

Ryan Novak:

Loved: I thought I was going to absolutely hate the pumpkin spice wings. I prepped myself to slyly spit my first bite into my napkin while no one was looking, but there was no need. The fried chicken flavor with some sweetness was reminiscent of chicken and waffles.

Liked: I must’ve liked the complimentary buffalo chicken popcorn. I don’t particularly remember enjoying it at the time, but I continuously stuffed my face with it even after the meal, when I was beyond stuffed.

Disappointed: Chicken parmesan is always good. Even microwavable chicken parmesan meals are pretty good. But, despite my love for the perfect harmony of chicken, noodles, and sauce, Graffiti’s rectangular cube of meat left something to be desired, and I found myself wishing they would’ve just put a couple of the wings atop the pasta instead.

Hated: Myself for not trying the blueberry lemonade.

Rating: Though I was satisfied with my meal and overall experience, my sampling of appetizers and everyone else’s dishes was full of peaks and valleys. 3.5 out of 5.

Aaron Gelston:

Loved: The pumpkin spice chicken wings complemented with pumpkin butter seemed to find a great balance between the sweet and savory.

Liked: The atmosphere felt cozy, and I like being cozy. Dim lights and great architecture set a rustic/warm mood.

Disappointed: Everything I tried seemed to have been created with sugar in mind. While Charlie and his grandpa would have been thrilled, my tastes are more savory than sweet. I should’ve ordered the short rib burrito.

Hated: Being the only people dining in the upstairs of the restaurant. It had a real “mobster who is about to get whacked” aura to it.

Rating: Overall, Graffiti is a great spot for those who look to balance their sweet tooth with a beer. 3 out of 5.

Hannah Allozi:

Loved: Alex’s burrito and the shrub mocktail—but with booze. I asked if I could add liquor and was given several recommendations by our server. I went with vodka. Light and refreshing.

Liked: The  complimentary  buffalo  ranch  popcorn was a nice touch. I also enjoyed the atmosphere—really great lighting and stained glass windows.

Disappointed: Sadly, the food. Everything we ordered—from appetizers to savory meals—was overly sweet tasting. I left there feeling as though I had eaten too many funnel cakes at the county fair.

Hated: That it wasn’t summertime and we couldn’t sit on their awesome patio.

Rating: I probably didn’t do a great job of ordering for myself, but after tasting the rest of the group’s grub as well, I don’t know that I  would  have  been  any  more  satisfied (other  than  Alex’s burrito). 2.5 out of 5 for me.